Managing your time as a stay-at-home or work-at-home parent isn’t easy. Between housework, childcare, and perhaps even a remote job or freelance business, the hours slip by fast—and that old myth of stay-at-home parents lounging on the sofa eating bonbons couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Time management doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require intention, planning, and a bit of trial and error. Here are practical, effective strategies to help you take control of your time and reduce your stress.
1. Set Clear, Realistic Goals
The foundation of time management is having specific, written goals. Without a goal, it’s easy to get sidetracked or fall into time-wasting habits.
Start by writing down:
- Daily and weekly tasks
- Key priorities (e.g., client deadlines, school pickups, meals)
- Short-term goals (e.g., finish a blog post, clean out the closet)
- Long-term goals (e.g., grow your freelance income, get organized for back-to-school)
Whether you use a paper planner, calendar app, or digital tools like Trello or Todoist, make sure your system is easy to maintain.
2. Use a Flexible Schedule
Some people thrive with a strict, color-coded daily calendar. Others need a looser structure. Either way, a general daily routine can help prevent you from losing momentum and remind you of time-sensitive tasks like appointments, school runs, or grocery trips.
Consider blocking time for:
- Focused work sessions (even 30–60 minutes)
- Household tasks
- Breaks or downtime
- Meals and snack prep
- Family time
For a free, customizable template, try Clockify’s time planner.
3. Use Visual Reminders
Sticky notes still work! Leaving reminders in visible places can jog your memory during a busy day. Place notes:
- On the fridge for errands and meal prep
- On the bathroom mirror for early tasks
- Near your desk to stay on task with work goals
- On the TV remote as a gentle nudge to finish tasks first
Digital alternatives: Use smart assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant to set spoken reminders, or schedule pop-up alerts on your phone or computer.
4. Keep a Notebook or Digital Notes App Handy
Whether you prefer a physical notepad, your phone’s Notes app, or a digital tool like Notion, make it a habit to jot things down as you plan your day.
This is especially helpful when:
- Making plans with friends or family
- Coordinating kids’ activities
- Managing client meetings or deadlines
You’ll avoid double-booking, and it gives you a record to refer back to when you forget what you promised yourself you’d do.
5. Understand That Time Management Is Personal
No single system works for everyone. Some people love time blocking. Others swear by checklists. You might find that you’re most productive before the kids wake up or after they go to bed.
Don’t be discouraged if your first plan doesn’t work. Experiment. Adjust. Repeat. The key is finding what fits your unique life, personality, and energy levels.
Helpful tools to try:
- RescueTime – Tracks how you spend time online
- Google Calendar – Great for recurring events and daily reminders
- Evernote – For organizing tasks, ideas, and projects in one place
Time management isn’t about squeezing every second out of your day—it’s about using your time intentionally to create a life that feels less chaotic and more fulfilling. Start small, stay flexible, and don’t be afraid to try new strategies until something sticks.
Remember: progress, not perfection.
